Clare Pillman, who has served as Natural Resources Wales’ (NRW) Chief Executive, has announced her retirement after seven years of dedicated service.
Clare joined NRW as its Chief Executive in 2018 during a testing time in its history, and has led the organisation through the challenges of the Pandemic, the major storms of 2020 and the declaration of the climate and nature emergencies.
NRW said her leadership was pivotal in shaping its Corporate Plan, published in 2023, which set out a vision for Wales in 2030 as a land where nature and people thrive together.
Announcing her retirement, Clare Pillman said:
“It was my love for the landscape and nature of my homeland that led me to NRW. I saw the problems that threaten them – loss of habitat for birds and wildlife, threats to communities from rising sea and river levels, and the difficulty of making a living from the land – and wanted to help.
“I will always love the Welsh environment – but the time is right now to hand NRW over. I have reached, at 60, the age at which I always presumed I would move on. A period of ill health has reinforced my belief that seven years at the helm is long enough. Deciding when to retire is never easy, but I can do so knowing that NRW will continue its vital work.
“I have been so proud to work with expert, passionate colleagues who give everything to serve the people and land of Wales. It has been the privilege my life to work with them over the last seven years. I wish NRW, my successor and everyone they work with to improve our precious natural environment every success.”
Responding to Clare Pillman’s retirement, NRW Chair Sir David Henshaw said:
“As Clare announces her retirement, I want to thank her for seven years’ service. Clare’s unwavering dedication and leadership have been instrumental in steering NRW and we will continue to see the benefits of her work into our future.
“On behalf of the Board and the entire organisation, I extend our deepest gratitude to Clare for her remarkable contributions and wish her health and happiness in her retirement.”
Clare will step down this week and in the interim, Ceri Davies, Executive Director for Evidence, Policy and Permitting will continue in the role of acting CEO.
